Monday, 20 June 2016

Thanks to Kathy Schilbach for reminding me about this rather good competition. The prize is a six day Arvon retreat in Shropshire. All you need to do to win is write 500 words on the theme of 'retreat' and be exceedingly lucky.

I'm going on my own writing retreat in the van soon. Today I signed the contract for a book which I've not yet finished writing, so I'll be busy. Will probably find to take a few pictures of castles and stuff though.

Sunday, 12 June 2016

On The Premises are running a free to enter writing competition with the theme of darkness. You have until September to come up with between 1,000 and 5,000 words and could win $220. Anyone can enter. Unpublished stories only.

The same organisation also hold regular mini contests, with smaller prizes. These are free to enter too.

Thursday, 9 June 2016

If you're writing a thriller and would like to win £4,000 then this competition is for you! As long as you can get the first 3,000 words and a plot summary done by the end of the month, then you're in with a chance. UK residents only.

Thanks to Sheila Crosby for telling me about this one. Sheila's writing her own thriller, set in a similar location to the one pictured and from what I've seen of it so far, it's going to be good.

Saturday, 4 June 2016

At school (see - that links to education) the subject I got the highest grade for was history. I got an A and back then, that's the highest grade you could get. I digress and have forgotten where this was going, except that I intended to end up with another excuse to post castle pictures. Let's just pretend that happened, OK?

Thursday, 2 June 2016

Popshot magazine are currently looking for submissions on the theme of hope. They don't currently pay (but are attempting to gain funding which will allow them to do so). Contributors copies are offered though, which is something.

Wednesday, 1 June 2016

There are a lot of emotions connected with writing fizzing away inside of me at the moment. Insecurity is in the mix, but largely drowned out by the others.

There's excitement over a potential new project, optimism about that and my short stories. Anticipation of trips away in the van (my mobile office) where I hope to meet up with some of my writing buddies. There's also a touch of doubt that I'm going to fit in everything this summer.

I'd much rather be busy than bored though, so it's mostly good. How about you?